1

I want to put a RV 50 amp plug in box about 100 feet from my house.

The 50 amp breaker for the panel won’t accept 2awg aluminum.

I have about 10 feet of 6/6/6/8 copper wire that will work with the breaker.

I’d like to connect that to 2-2-2-4 aluminum underground feeder wire.

Is there a lugged junction box that makes the transition for these wires easy?

Or can the wires be joined safely in the panel using Polaris type connectors?

Or is there a GE 50 amp breaker that accepts a 2 aluminum wire?

Improve this question
0

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

Is this thing for EV charging? Stop and talk to us, because going for 50A and a 4-prong socket is a common novice error, danger, waste of money and/or source of trouble... and we can steer you smart.

2-2-2-4 aluminum is a fantastic choice and one of our favorites. It is 90A wire, and can support two RV stands with any mix of receptacles, per NEC 551.73. The 100' distance is not far enough for voltage drop to be a concern. Really, even 6-6-6-6 aluminum should be legal, since it is good for 50A.

And you might get lucky and find a socket that takes #2 directly. No problem finding sockets that take #6 directly (just look for AL-CU and 75C markings).

On the circuit breaker, that's a problem - most manufacturers make their 50A breaker using the same frame/terminal as 15-40A breakers, so they aren't made for #2AL.

Polaris connectors are very costly. Your best way to handle this may be to install an "RV subpanel" out at the RV stand. This is a special panel made for RV stands which has a 4-6 space subpanel, and outlets for NEMA 14-50, NEMA TT30, and/or common GFCI outlets. You can also build this yourself from any random 4-space outdoor panel (e.g. Siemens W0408ML1125U) and an outdoor 14-50 outlet with an in-use cover. You then use a 60A or 70A breaker at the main panel - these have larger lugs which will happily accept #2. You can use up to a 90A breaker actually, but 60-70A is cheaper.

If you're GFCI protecting this NEMA 14-50, the GFCI goes out here in this subpanel. It must be the correct brand match for the subpanel. (e.g. if you bought a HOM GFCI for your HOM main panel, make a point to get a HOM subpanel.)

Improve this answer
13
  • It’s a rv. I misspoke. The aluminum feeder I was going to use is 2awg.
    – Kris
    Commented Jul 4, 2023 at 23:58
  • @Kris OK edited.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 5, 2023 at 0:28
  • 1
    @Jim if it specifies a torque you must set it to that torque. Make sure any socket is rated AL-CU and 75C if you want to run #6AL at 50A.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 6, 2023 at 2:09
  • 1
    @Jim writing on the outside of the cable. The torque is probably the same for #6 or #4 and both are good for 50A.
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 6, 2023 at 2:29
  • 1
    @Jim only if the crimp sleeve is listed for aluminum wire. Remember, the terminal was UL-listed to be used in that way. UL knows the strands are going to get a little crazy, and certified it for that wire size and metallurgy anyway. (assuming that they in fact did).
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jul 7, 2023 at 18:39

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.